An investigation into whether the missing flight that was carrying Premier League footballer Emiliano Sala was properly licensed is taking place.
The Piper PA-46 Malibu disappeared on Monday with Cardiff City‘s new £15m signing and pilot Dave Ibbotson on board.
A search near Guernsey was called off on Thursday afternoon despite pleas from Sala’s sister.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch said it had launched a probe.
“We are looking at all operational aspects of the flight including licensing,” a spokesman said.
Mr. Ibbotson, 59, of Crowle, Lincolnshire, held a private pilot’s licence and passed a medical exam as recently as November, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.
The Civil Aviation Authority said the aircraft was registered in the US, so fell under its regulations.
US law states private pilots cannot make a profit by carrying passengers.
Argentine striker Sala, 28, signed for Cardiff from Nantes last weekend and was travelling between the cities on Monday night.
At 19:15 GMT, Mr. Ibbotson made a request to descend, before losing contact with Jersey air traffic control.
An extensive search took place, but Guernsey’s harbour master explained a “difficult” decision was made to call it off, saying the chances of survival were “extremely remote”.
However, Romina Sala said she feels her brother is still alive and pleaded with rescuers not to give up hope.
Mr. Barker acknowledged the family were “not content” with the decision to stop actively searching but said he was “absolutely confident” no more could have been done.
He insisted UK coastguard protocols were followed and said he hoped the families of the missing pair found some comfort in the incident remaining open, despite searches ceasing.
BBC
